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Job Description
Lead inclusive, community-driven programs that improve the quality of life across Oahu The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Park Maintenance and Recreation Services Division, Special Services Section, is hiring a Recreation Specialist III (Special Services) . This position is ideal for an experienced recreation professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, building connections within the community, and developing programs that serve diverse populations. What You Will Do Provide leadership and direction for city-wide People's Open Market and Therapeutic Recreation programs, ensuring they are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to community needs.
People's Open Market:
Supporting farmers' markets and community-based marketplaces that promote food access, local vendors, and community engagement.
Therapeutic Recreation:
Providing adaptive and inclusive recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs. Plan, coordinate, and evaluate programs and special events, setting goals, outcomes, and quality standards across all districts and sites. Supervise, train, coach, and evaluate lower-level Recreation Specialists and support staff, including part-time staff and volunteers. Develop and interpret policies, procedures, and operational guidelines; address concerns and ensure consistent program delivery. Build partnerships with community organizations, service providers, educational institutions, and government agencies to strengthen programs and expand resources. Special Working Conditions Frequent travel throughout O'ahu to program sites and community locations. May work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Will serve as a Disaster Response worker during declared emergencies. •Salary rate commensurate with applicable experience, pending approval•Enjoy excellent employment benefits including generous time off (up to 21 vacation days, 21 sick leave days, and holidays), comprehensive health coverage, retirement plan, career development, and much more! View details about all our available benefits by clicking on the "Benefits" tab at the top of this posting or by visiting https://www.honolulu.gov/dhr/benefits/ Apply today and take the next step in a rewarding and reliable career path! Some notifications will be sent via e-mail. You are responsible for monitoring instructions and correspondence from this office by checking your email account in a timely manner. To ensure proper delivery, please make sure you: use a valid email account; verify your email address is entered correctly on your GovernmentJobs account; are subscribed to email notices; check your spam folders; and add infoneogov@honolulu.gov and info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list. Notifications may also be sent via text message if opted into the service. Data and text messaging fees apply. At the time of application, you must be a citizen, national or permanent resident alien of the United States or a non-citizen eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with specialization in recreation, physical education, group work or a related field.
Substitution:
Work experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis. Such experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and analytical ability normally gained from attainment of a bachelor's degree.
For example:
1. Four (4) years of professional work experience, in any occupation, may substitute for a general bachelor's degree. 2. Four (4) years of general work experience (does not need to be professional level experience) in recreation may substitute for a general bachelor's degree.
Education Verification :
Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Four (4) years of recreation experience, two (2) years of which shall have been in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing specialized community-service-oriented recreation programs (e.g., therapeutic recreation, People's Open Market, etc.).
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS NEEDED
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of supervision; the policies, principles, plans, tools, and techniques of recreation; instructional methods, plans, procedures, and techniques; local community recreational needs and problems; group behavior; in-service training methods; and public relations.
Ability to:
Plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others; recognize community recreational and leisure time needs and problems; stimulate interest and obtain the support of the community in the recreation program; train recreation workers; maintain cooperative relationships with the staff and public; prepare reports; and give clear and concise oral and written instructions.
Substitution :
A Master's degree in recreation, physical education, or education from an accredited four-year college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of general recreation experience. There is no substitution for the required two (2) years of experience in the specialty area of planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing specialized community-service-oriented recreation programs.
Education Verification :
Education information must be listed clearly on your application. If available, please attach a legible electronic copy of your diploma, official transcripts, and/or applicable foreign credential evaluation to your application. As part of the hiring process, you may be asked to furnish documentation to verify your education to move forward for further consideration.
LICENSE REQUIREMENT
Valid appropriate driver's license (automobile/Type 3), prior to appointment. If you qualify for the position, your name will be eligible for consideration for current vacancy and future job openings with this job title. Screening will be based on the education, experience, and other job-related information provided in your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being rejected or your receiving a lower rating. All information provided on an application is subject to verification. As applicable, false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts are grounds for disqualification and/or termination of employment with the City and County of Honolulu.
